Cardinals select Jalen Thompson in NFL Supplemental Draft
Thompson becomes first Cougar drafted in Supplemental Draft since 1989
ZACH RUBIO | DAILY EVERGREEN FILE
Then-sophomore safety Jalen Thompson heads onto the field before kickoff during a game against Oregon State University on Sept. 16, 2017.
July 11, 2019
The Arizona Cardinals picked WSU safety Jalen Thompson in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Supplemental Draft on Wednesday.
Thompson became the first Cougar selected during the Supplemental Draft since 1989 when the Phoenix Cardinals selected quarterback Timm Rosenbach.
Thompson is the third Cougar drafted in 2019 following left tackle Andre Dillard in the first round to the Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback Gardner Minshew II in the sixth round to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Thompson is the 11th Cougar drafted under Head Coach Mike Leach.
Thompson lost his final year of eligibility after committing an NCAA violation.
According to The Spokesman-Review, Thompson bought an over-the-counter supplement at a nutrition store, which was not a steroid, but violated an NCAA rule. Then he entered the NFL Supplemental Draft.
Thompson was a three-year starter for WSU. He recorded 191 tackles, 23 pass breakups, six interceptions, two forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.
He was a two-time All-Pac-12 Conference selection with second-team honors in 2017 and honorable mention in 2018. He as an ESPN True Freshman All-American in 2016.
Thompson was the only player picked during the NFL Supplemental Draft. The Cardinals will lose their fifth-round pick during the 2020 draft.
